J. Robert Cade

nephrologist

Died:Nov. 27, 2007
(Gainesville, Florida)

Best Known as:inventor of the Gatorade drink

Dr. Cade was a nephrologist who invented Gatorade starting a
multi-billion dollar market in sports and energy drinks. As of last year
about 12 million bottles of Gatorade were consumed a day, and Gatorade led
the industry with a net worth of $19 billion. Cade created the drink to
rehydrate athletes and replenish carbohydrates. His product was first used
at a 1965 University of Florida football game against Louisiana State
University. The Gators, after whom the drink was named, were victorious
while L.S.U. wilted in the second half from temperatures reaching 102
degrees. In 1969, the coach of the Kansas City Chiefs attributed the
team’s Super Bowl title to Gatorade. Gatorade was endorsed by Michael
Jordan and became the official Super Bowl beverage.